Range Rover 04MY Owner's Handbook - LM - 2nd Edition

Off-road Driving

177

Off-road Driving

BEFORE YOU DRIVE

Before venturing off-road, it is absolutely
essential that inexperienced drivers become
fully familiar with the vehicle's controls, in
particular the transfer gear switch and Hill
Descent Control (HDC), and also study the
off-road driving techniques described on this
and the following pages.

WARNING

Off-road driving can be hazardous!

•

DO NOT take unnecessary risks and be
prepared for emergencies at all times.

•

Familiarise yourself with the
recommended driving techniques in order
to minimise risks to yourself, your vehicle
AND your passengers.

BASIC OFF-ROAD TECHNIQUES

These basic driving techniques are an
introduction to the art of off-road driving and do
not necessarily provide the information needed
to successfully cope with every single off-road
situation, including off-road recovery
techniques.

We strongly recommend that owners who
intend to drive off-road frequently, should seek
as much additional information and practical
experience as possible.

Before driving off-road it is important that you
check the condition of the wheels and tyres and
that the tyre pressures are correct. Worn or
incorrectly inflated tyres will adversely affect
the performance, stability and safety of the
vehicle.

If the vehicle is equipped with a Temporary
spare wheel

and you need to fit it whilst

driving off-road, then you must proceed with
extra caution.

Survey the ground before driving
Before negotiating difficult terrain, it is wise to
carry out a preliminary survey on foot. This will
minimise the risk of your vehicle getting into
difficulty through a previously unnoticed
hazard.

Gear selection
With the main selector lever set at ‘D’, the
gearbox automatically provides the correct gear
for the appropriate gear range selected (HIGH
or LOW). For greater vehicle control through
gear selection, manual CommandShift

mode

is recommended.

HIGH range gears should be used whenever
possible - only change to LOW range when
ground conditions become very difficult.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

•

Always wear a seat belt for personal
protection in all off-road driving
situations.

•

DO NOT drive if the fuel level is low -
undulating ground and steep inclines
could cause fuel starvation to the
engine and consequent damage to the
catalytic converter.

•

As a precaution against accidental loss,
remove the towing eye cover and the
front spoiler before driving off-road
(see ‘TOWING EYES’, page 236).

•

To prevent damage, and improve
departure angles, remove and stow any
towing equipment fitted to the vehicle.
See ‘TOW BAR FITMENT’, page 167.

Off-road Driving

178

Accelerating
Use the accelerator with care - any sudden
surge of power may induce wheel spin and,
therefore, invoke unnecessary operation of
traction control, or in extreme conditions could
lead to loss of control of the vehicle.

Braking
As far as possible, vehicle speed should be
controlled through correct gear selection and
the use of Hill Descent Control (HDC).
Application of the brake pedal should be kept to
a minimum. In fact, if the correct gear and HDC
have been selected, braking will be largely
unnecessary.

If the brake pedal is depressed when HDC is
active, HDC is overridden and the brakes will
perform as normal. If the brake pedal is then
released, HDC will recommence operating, at
reduced speed.

Use of engine for braking
Before descending steep slopes, stop the
vehicle at least its length before the descent,
engage LOW range and then select HDC. Use of
manual CommandShift

gear selection to limit

the transmission to lower gears will also
increase engine braking. Select ‘1’ or ‘2’ LOW
range, depending on the severity of the
descent.

While descending a slope (either forwards or in
‘R’ - reverse) it should be remembered that
HDC and the engine will provide sufficient
braking effort to control the rate of descent, and
that the brakes should not be applied.

Steering

WARNING

DO NOT hold the steering wheel with your
thumbs inside the rim - a sudden ‘Kick’ of the
wheel as the vehicle negotiates a rut or
boulder could seriously injure them. ALWAYS
grip the wheel on the outside of the rim (as
shown) when traversing uneven ground.

H3876

Off-road Driving

179

Ground clearance
Don't forget to allow for ground clearance
beneath the vehicle suspension components
and under the front and rear bumpers. Note
also that there are other parts of the vehicle
which may come into contact with the ground -
take care not to ground the vehicle.

Ground clearance is particularly important at
the bottom of steep slopes, or where wheel ruts
are unusually deep and where sudden changes
in the slope of the ground are experienced.

ALWAYS attempt to avoid obstacles that may
foul the vehicle.

Electronic air suspension
Select ‘Off-road height’, to increase
approach/departure angles and ground
clearance (see ‘ELECTRONIC AIR SUSPENSION
(EAS)’, page 160).

Loss of traction
If the vehicle is immobilised due to loss of
wheel grip, the following hints could be of
value:

•

Remove obstacles rather than forcing the
vehicle to cross them.

•

Clear clogged tyre treads.

•

Reverse as far as possible, then attempt an
increased speed approach - additional
momentum may overcome the obstacle.

•

Brushwood, sacking or any similar material
placed in front of the tyres may improve tyre
grip.

CD Autochanger
Playing CDs while negotiating arduous off-road
terrain is not recommended. Severe jolting of
the vehicle may disturb the operation of the
autochanger, causing the disc to ‘jump’ or
‘skip’.

AFTER DRIVING OFF-ROAD

SERVICING REQUIREMENTS

Vehicles operated in arduous conditions,
particularly on dusty, muddy or wet terrain, and
vehicles undergoing frequent or deep wading
conditions will require more frequent servicing.
See ‘OWNER MAINTENANCE’, page 189 and
contact a Land Rover Dealer/Authorised
Repairer for advice.

After wading in salt water or driving on sandy
beaches, use a hose to wash the underbody
components and any exposed body panels with
fresh water. This will help to protect the
vehicle's cosmetic appearance.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Before rejoining the public highway, or
driving at speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h),
consideration should be given to the
following:

•

Wheels and tyres must be cleaned of
mud and inspected for damage.

•

If wheels and tyres are not cleaned
properly, damage to the wheels, tyres,
braking system and suspension
components could occur.

•

Brake discs and callipers should be
examined and any stones or grit that
may affect braking efficiency removed.

•

The underside of the vehicle should be
checked for damage, especially the
suspension air springs and dampers.

•

Any damage to paint or protective
coatings, should be rectified by a Land
Rover Dealer/Authorised Repairer as
soon as possible.

If you have any doubt whether the vehicle
has been damaged, have the vehicle
inspected by a Land Rover
Dealer/Authorised Repairer.

Off-road Driving

180

REMOVING THE FRONT BIB SPOILER

To improve off-road performance, it is possible
to remove the front bib spoiler from the vehicle
- this will also prevent the spoiler from being
damaged.

1. Remove the towing eye cover (see

‘TOWING EYES’, page 236).

2. From inside the wheel arch, remove the

bolt/washer securing the spoiler to the
wheel arch liner. Repeat for the other side
of the vehicle. Keep the bolts and washers
in a safe place.

3. On one half of the spoiler, remove the

three bolt/washers and one screw/washer
securing the spoiler to the bumper. Keep
the bolts, screw and washers in a safe
place.

4. Slide the half-spoiler outwards towards

the side of the vehicle and remove.

Repeat items 3 and 4 for the other half of the
spoiler.

Refitting the spoiler is the reverse of the
removal procedure.

WARNING

Ensure that the spoiler halves and the towing
eye cover are securely stowed in the vehicle,
so they do not become projectiles in the event
of an accident or emergency manoeuvre.

H4218

H4219

Driving Techniques

181

Driving Techniques

DRIVING ON SOFT SURFACES & DRY
SAND

The ideal technique for driving on soft surfaces
(dry sand for example) requires the vehicle to
be kept moving at all times - soft sand causes
excessive drag on the wheels resulting in a
rapid loss of motion once driving momentum is
lost.

Deactivate DSC (see ‘DYNAMIC STABILITY
CONTROL (DSC)’, page 156), then select ‘D’
(drive) and REMAIN in that gear until a firm
surface is reached. It is generally advisable to
use LOW range, as this will enable you to
accelerate through worsening conditions
without the risk of being unable to restart.

Stopping the vehicle on soft ground, in sand
or on an incline
If you do stop the vehicle, remember:

•

Starting on an incline or in soft ground or
sand may be difficult. Always park on a firm
level area, or with the vehicle facing
downhill.

•

To avoid wheel spin, select ‘D’ (drive) and
use the MINIMUM throttle necessary to get
the vehicle moving.

•

If forward motion is lost, avoid excessive
use of the throttle - this may dig the vehicle
into the sand. Clear sand from around the
tyres and ensure that the vehicle underside
is not bearing on the sand before again
attempting to move.

•

If the wheels have sunk, use an air bag
lifting device or high lift jack to raise the
vehicle, and then build up sand under the
tyres so that the vehicle is again on level
ground. If a restart is still not possible, place
sand mats or ladders beneath the tyres.

DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
(ice, snow, mud, wet grass)

•

Select ‘D’ (drive) in LOW range.

•

Drive away using the MINIMUM throttle
possible.

•

Drive slowly at all times, keeping braking to
a minimum and avoiding violent
movements of the steering wheel.

DRIVING ON ROUGH TRACKS

Although rough tracks can sometimes be
negotiated in normal drive, on very rough
tracks, engage LOW range to enable a steady,
low speed to be maintained without constant
use of the brake pedal.

Driving Techniques

182

CLIMBING STEEP SLOPES

ALWAYS follow the fall line of the slope -
travelling diagonally could encourage the
vehicle to slide broadside down the slope.

Steep climbs will usually require the LOW gear
range and selecting ‘3’ or ‘4’ using
CommandShift

selection is recommended. It

is advisable to engage HDC, in case there is a
need to reverse down the slope to avoid an
obstacle. If the surface is loose or slippery, use
sufficient speed in the highest practical gear to
take advantage of your vehicle's momentum
and disable DSC. However, too high a speed
over a bumpy surface may result in a wheel
lifting, causing the vehicle to lose stability. In
this case try a slower approach. Traction can
also be improved by easing off the accelerator
just before loss of forward motion.

If the vehicle is unable to complete a climb, do
not attempt to turn it around while on the slope.
Instead, adopt the following procedure to
reverse downhill to the foot of the slope.

1. Hold the vehicle stationary using both foot

and hand brakes.

2. Restart the engine if necessary.
3. Engage ‘N’ (neutral) and engage LOW

range, then select ‘R’ (reverse).

4. Select Hill Descent Control (HDC).
5. Release the handbrake. Then fully release

the foot brake and allow the vehicle to
reverse down the slope using engine
braking and HDC to control the rate of
descent.

6. Unless it is necessary to stop the vehicle

to negotiate obstructions, DO NOT apply
the brake during the descent - even a light
application may cause the front wheels to
lock, rendering the steering ineffective.

7. If the vehicle begins to slide, accelerate

slightly to allow the tyres to regain grip.

When the vehicle is back on level ground and
safety permits, a faster approach will probably
enable the hill to be climbed. However, DO NOT
take unnecessary risks, if the hill is too difficult
to climb, find an alternative route.

WARNING

DO NOT attempt to reverse down a slope
without the engine running and ensure that
‘R’ (reverse) is selected. Otherwise, HDC and
the braking effect of the gearbox will be lost.

Driving Techniques

183

DESCENDING STEEP SLOPES

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions may cause
the vehicle to roll over.

•

Slow the vehicle and select LOW range.

•

With the transmission in manual
CommandShift

mode, change down the

gears to select either ‘1’ or ‘2’, depending on
the severity of the slope, before bringing the
vehicle to a stop at least vehicle length
before the start of the slope.

•

Select Hill Descent Control (HDC).

•

Unless it is necessary to stop the vehicle in
order to negotiate obstructions, DO NOT
touch the brake pedal during the descent -
the engine and HDC will limit the speed,
keeping the vehicle under perfect control
provided the front wheels are rotating.

•

If the vehicle begins to slide, the limits of
adhesion have been reached, and it may be
impossible to maintain the minimum speed
relative to the gear selected. In this case,
HDC may automatically accelerate the
vehicle sufficiently to maintain directional
stability. DO NOT use the accelerator or the
brakes or attempt to change gear. HDC will
automatically slow the vehicle down again
as soon as possible.

•

Once the descent has been started, ‘D’ can
be selected in the main gearbox. HDC will
continue to operate and the previously
selected manual ‘gear’ will be retained until
the descent is complete.

•

Once level ground is reached, the
transmission will automatically select ‘D’ for
the next stage of your journey.

H3855

Driving Techniques

184

TRAVERSING A SLOPE

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions may cause
the vehicle to roll over.

Before crossing a slope ALWAYS observe the
following precautions:

•

Check that the ground is firm and not
slippery.

•

Check that the wheels on the downhill side
of the vehicle are not likely to drop into
depressions in the ground and that the
‘uphill’ wheels will not run over rocks, tree
roots, or similar obstacles that could
suddenly increase the angle of tilt.

•

Ensure that passenger weight is evenly
distributed, that all roof rack luggage is
removed and that all other luggage is
properly secured and stowed as low as
possible. Always remember; any sudden
movement of the load could cause the
vehicle to overturn.

•

Rear seat passengers should sit on the
uphill side of the vehicle or, in extreme
conditions, should vacate the vehicle until
the sloping ground has been safely
negotiated.

NEGOTIATING A ‘V’ SHAPED GULLY

Observe extreme caution! Steering up either of
the gully walls could cause the side of the
vehicle to be trapped against the opposite gully
wall.

DRIVING IN EXISTING WHEEL TRACKS

As far as possible allow the vehicle to steer
itself along the bottom of the ruts and always
keep a light hold of the steering wheel to
prevent it from spinning free. Deactivation of
DSC may help in deep ruts.

Particularly in wet conditions, if the steering
wheel is allowed to spin free, the vehicle may
appear to be driving straight ahead in the ruts,
but in actual fact (due to the lack of traction
caused by the wet ground) is unknowingly on
full right or left lock. Then, when level ground is
reached, or if a dry patch of ground is
encountered, the wheels will find traction and
cause the vehicle to suddenly veer to left or
right.

H3856

Driving Techniques

185

CROSSING A RIDGE

Approach at right angles so that both front
wheels cross the ridge together - an angled
approach could cause stability to be lost
through diagonally opposite wheels lifting from
the ground at the same time.

CROSSING A DITCH

Cross ditches at an angle so that three wheels
always maintain contact with the ground. If a
ditch is approached head on, both front wheels
will drop into the ditch together, possibly
resulting in the chassis and front bumper being
trapped on opposite sides of the ditch. If the
severity of terrain makes this inevitable,
selecting ‘Off-road’ height with the EAS to
increase clearance between the ground and the
bottom of the vehicle may help.

H3857

H3858

Driving Techniques

186

WADING

WARNING

The maximum advisable wading depth is
20 in.(0,5 m). Wading at a depth greater than
the maximum advisable wading depth
regularly, is not recommended.

Severe electrical damage may occur if the
vehicle remains stationary for any length of
time when the water level is above the door
sills.

Before wading, ensure the electronic air
suspension is set to off-road height.

If the water is likely to exceed 20 in. (0,5 m), the
following precautions should be observed:

•

Fix a plastic sheet in front of the radiator
grille to prevent water from soaking the
engine and mud from blocking the radiator.

•

Remove the CD autochanger.

•

Ensure that the silt bed beneath the water is
free of obstacles and firm enough to
support the vehicle's weight and provide
sufficient traction.

•

Ensure that the engine air intake (located on
the front wings) is clear of the water level.

•

Drive slowly into the water and accelerate to
a speed which causes a bow wave to form;
then maintain that speed.

At all times, keep all the doors fully closed.

NOTE: If deep wading is to be carried out
regularly, contact your Land Rover
Dealer/Authorised Repairer for advice.

After wading

•

Drive the vehicle a short distance and apply
the foot brake to check that the brakes are
fully effective.

•

DO NOT rely on the handbrake to hold the
vehicle stationary until the brakes have
thoroughly dried out; in the meantime, leave
the vehicle parked in ‘P’.

•

Remove any protective covering from in
front of the radiator grille.

•

If the water was particularly muddy, remove
any blockages (mud and leaves) from the
condenser and radiator to reduce the risk of
overheating.

•

If deep water is regularly negotiated, check
all oils for signs of water contamination -
contaminated oil can be identified through
its ‘milky’ appearance. In addition, check the
air filter element for water ingress and
replace if wet - consult a Land Rover
Dealer/Authorised Repairer if necessary.

•

If salt water is frequently negotiated,
thoroughly wash the underbody
components and exposed body panels with
fresh water.

NOTE: Vehicles required to undergo frequent or
deep wading conditions will require more
frequent servicing. Contact a Land Rover
Dealer/Authorised Repairer for advice.

H3859

187

Owner Maintenance

Maintenance

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  189
OWNER MAINTENANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  189
SAFETY IN THE GARAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  190
EMISSION CONTROL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  191
ROAD TESTING DYNAMOMETERS
(‘rolling roads’)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  191
PREPARATION FOR WINTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  191

Bonnet Opening

BONNET OPENING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

Engine Compartment

DIESEL ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
PETROL ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Engine Oil

CHECK & TOP-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Cooling System

COOLANT CHECK AND TOP-UP. . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
ANTI-FREEZE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

Brakes

BRAKE FLUID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

Power Steering

POWER STEERING FLUID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

Washers

WINDSCREEN WASHER TOP-UP  . . . . . . . . . . .  202
WASHER JETS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  203
HEADLIGHT WASHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  203

Wiper Blades

WIPER BLADE REPLACEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

Battery

BATTERY SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
BATTERY MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

Tyres

CARING FOR YOUR TYRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
SNOW CHAINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210